The exception (There are always exceptions!) to what Bob writes below is the type of vertical which requires a counterpoise, but not radials such as quarter-wave. This would include verticals like the Cushcraft R8. These do require a ground for static discharge protection. But, as Jim, K9Y, has pointed out numerous times, this ground is NOT for the antenna's operation/radiation. Buy Ward Silver's, N0AX, book on Bonding and Grounding, if you can find it. Jim's web site is free!
Don's advice on lightning is paramount for safety! If lightning is within 10 miles, disconnect all antenna cables, and enjoy your food, beer, reading material, etc. We had two Airmen killed at Canon AFB NM when this requirement was ignored. Disconnecting antennas during last year's FD for five hours dropped us out of the Top 20 in 1A by one! However, unlike two years previous, we suffered not equipment damage and, most importantly, no operator damage. Sadly, the Cibola National Forest just announced it will close down (about 95%) this Friday due to extreme fire danger. I am seeking an alternative that meets our criteria. An EOC sounds enticing. We will not operate in a parking lot in North Central NM! -- 73, Bill, K8TE Albuquerque DX Association, W5UR Message: 18 Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2018 16:41:02 -0500 From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <rmcg...@blomand.net> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mobile Grounding for KX3 and KXPA100 Message-ID: <1c7c1a80-6a11-ba51-8705-2323924f4...@blomand.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed I do agree that the radio, the amp should be connected to the power source negative as "ground".? As to connecting to mother earth, it is the antenna that works against earth.? Thus if you are using a center fed dipole, no mother earth connection is needed.?? If you are using an OCFD antenna, a good balun plus a common mode choke at the feed point plus a common mode choke before the amp/radio is required.?? If you are using a vertical or inverted L, then a real ground system with radials is required for the antenna to work against.? If you are using a random length of wire thus end fed, then a real ground system is needed.?? A single? driven ground rod IS NOT a good ground system for any antenna. As to grounding the radio and amp...............nah, not needed if all else is correct. 73 Bob, K4TAX ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
